A bill by Senator Robin Padilla seeks to strengthen and update the country’s childhood care and development system, to address the present challenges to Filipino children’s development.
Padilla filed Senate Bill 2938, which proposes amendments to Republic Act 10410, or the Early Years Act of 2013, to strengthen the early childhood care and development system.
“Socio-cultural and civic engagement activities help young children learn about their communities, develop social skills, and develop a sense of responsibility,” the legislator said.
“To complement the GMRC and values education, and early childhood care and development (ECCD) programs of the government, this measure seeks to promote the involvement of young children in socio-civic activities as a method of enforcing positive discipline towards shaping their moral and personal development to be adjusted to the State’s national citizenhood goals,” the lawmaker added.
“Children up to eight years old use mobile gadgets for entertainment, including videos and games.”
The senator lamented those children up to eight years old use mobile gadgets for entertainment, including videos and games. As of 2019, 10% of children in kindergarten already have eye problems.
Worse, excessive screen time use among young children had been linked to developmental delays, attention problems, and poor academic performance. Some also became lazy and even disrespectful, with rusting social skills.
“During the 2022-2023 school years, there was a prevalence of disruptive and even violent behavior among students.”
Another survey by the National Education Association showed that during the 2022-2023 school years, there was a prevalence of disruptive and even violent behavior among students.
The current law, Republic Act 10410, cites the need for Good Manners and Right Conduct (GMRC) and Values Education Program (VEP) during the early childhood stage.
Under Padilla’s bill, the National ECCD System shall enhance values, character and spiritual development of young children and foster moral resilience to help them navigate the challenges of modern technology.
It also reinforces the role of parents and other caregivers as disciplinarians and educators of their children from age 0 to 4.
Provincial governments are encouraged to establish a Provincial Early Childhood Care and Development Office (PECCDO).
